New Hours for the Patio

GROCERS' NOTE

Congratulations, Evans family! The Evans were the very first visitors at our new location when we softly opened Wednesday afternoon. Here's a photo.

The move went smoothly save for our credit/debit terminal hook-up. We kindly request cash or checks the next few days...

With new space comes NEW HOURS.

We've expanded our hours to serve you this summer:

Tuesday - Saturday, Noon until 10pm
Sunday, Noon until 8pm
(Closed Mondays)

Meg Hall of Cheese to You will continue to be here on Saturdays starting at noon.

Also, a NEW MENU.

We are rolling out new parts of our menu every week. Our complete menu will be available on a regular basis May 21st, to coincide with Staunton Jams.

Plus, more BEER & WINE!

We've launced with four great craft beers and will expand in the days ahead.

One of these is the Pale Ale from Mountaineer Brewery in West Virginia. Sadly, Mountaineer just announced closure of their brewery. It was the only West Virginia craft beer distributed out-of-state. So come and taste it before it's gone...for good.

You can choose beer by the bottle or wine by the glass to enjoy on the patio.

COMMUNITY GOSSIP

Last week's FAQs cover some additional questions.

More light! Fresh air! A greatly improved view! Looking forward to showing Geo. Bowers 2.0 to you.

Late Summer Cheese...for You

This Friday evening we welcome back cheese expert Meg Hall. She will present more than a dozen late summer cheeses to sample along with two select wines. This is a great opportunity for you to have specialty cheese cut to order and discover new favorites.

We have two tastings, one at 5pm and the next at 6pm. You are welcome to stop by any time...but you'll miss part of the presentation and will have to wait until her return next month!

Speaking of summer... did you know that Meg's parents are the authors of the book "Summer of a Thousand Cheeses"? The book traces artisan cheese production in America. You can order online or pick up a copy here.

See you Friday!

Back By Popular Demand: Cheese to You

Did you have the pleasure of attending last month's Cheese to You event with Meg Hall? Participants enjoyed wine and had the opportunity to taste artisanal cheese from around the Virginia, and the world.

Well, we've got great news. There's plenty more cheese to explore!

Starting this Friday Meg will be coming once a month to share the latest cheeses ripened to perfection. As before she will be explaining each of them and answering your questions. You are welcome to pair the cheese with a sample of wine on us, too.

Join us this Friday. We ask that you arrive for one or two time slots: either 5pm or 6pm. Meg will start her presentation on the hour and then slice your selected cheese(s) to take home.

Join us for this tasty and educational series.

A Warning About California

Scurvy and sinning: that's what you'll get in California. This is how Mama's brother described it in his letters. Uncle Shufelt stole away in '49 and never came back.

George, here.

My associates assure me that in intervening years California has grown to offer some of the finest food. So, reluctantly, they've convinced me to host an event in honor of California tomorrow (below). 

Unfortunately, our meeting on this matter quickly turned to debate.

Having both lived there, my associates disagreed over favorite songs "California" themed songs. One suggested something described as a classic rap anthem by some chap named "2 Pac" Another volunteered a rock song by a collection of musicians known (appropriately) as "Social Distortion". Then they presented a list of even more California-themed songs of every genre.

They said, "Crank them up and imagine you're cruising down the 101".

I have no idea what that means. However, I assume from their song choices it involves scurvy and sinning.

Let's hope this "California wine" and "California chèvre" have more taste.

Yours truly,
George

George Bowers VA Wine Event, Friday 3/26

George asked us to dispatch some news...

Closed - Wednesday, 3/24

Have you noticed the dust? Yes, we're still expanding our product assortment. This Wednesday we'll be at the Virginia Food & Beverage Expo evaluating some of the best Virginia-made items to bring back over the mountain. Come by on Thursday to see what's new...

1st Ever - George Bowers Wine Event - Friday, 3/26!

Join us this Friday, March 26, from 6-8 pm to celebrate fine Virginia wines. You'll enjoy sampling our growing selection of local and international, artisan cheeses, too. There is no charge for the event. (All the snobby goodness, without the snobs!)

Growth Opportunities in the Local and Regional Foods Economy

Are you thinking about starting your own business in the local food economy, or know someone who is? If so, please attend - or spread the good word about - one of the upcoming workshops sponsored by a collection of local groups.

The series of workshops will be held in Harrisonburg, Verona, and Lexington to discuss:

• Growth opportunities for food producers
• Emerging institutional and regional markets
• Financing for community farm and food enterprises
• Perspectives from local farm and food entrpreneurs in the Valley
• and, offer a networking opportunity

Download the flier with more details by clicking here.

We're lucky to live in a region of the country that supports sustainable food and farm entreprenuership. This can only happen thanks to customers like you who support George Bowers Grocery and other local food venues/producers.

Life is good in the Valley - enjoy Spring!

Until next time,

Katie, Brian, and George